PRODUCT LIABILITY

What you need to know about the Simple Micellar Cleansing Water recall

Reviewed by Lisa Lunt Partner & Medical Product Liability Solicitor

Last Updated 8th October 2026

In August 2026, Unilever recalled specific batches of Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water in the UK and Republic of Ireland. There are concerns that some batches may be microbiologically contaminated, which may cause eye inflammation. The recall affects 200ml, 400ml and 730ml bottles of Simple Micellar Cleansing Water.

Key takeaways from this article:

Why the product has been recalled
How to check whether you have an affected batch
What to do if you have experienced problems

Why was Simple Micellar Cleansing Water recalled?

The affected batches may be microbiologically contaminated. According to the official product safety notice, this contamination may cause eye inflammation.

The affected products have been withdrawn from the market and recalled from consumers.

Consumers who have an affected batch are advised to stop using the product immediately and follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding return, disposal and refund/redress.

A message from the team

“If you are affected, it's important to keep hold of the product and packaging, if you still have it, make a note of the batch number, keep any receipts or proof of purchase - and also take photographs of any visible symptoms.”

Sarah Samuel

Product Liability Solicitor

Which Simple Micellar Cleansing Water products are affected?

The recall affects specific batches of Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water in 200ml, 400ml and 730ml sizes.

The recalled batch codes are:

Product size Recalled batch codes

200ml: 610041, 611641, 615941

400ml: 611141, 611341, 611441, 613341, 613441, 614541, 614741, 614841

730ml: 613841, 613941, 611041, 616641, 616741

The batch code can be found on the bottom of the bottle.

Key details of the recall and our approach

What problems have been reported?

The principal concern identified in the recall is eye inflammation.

Our research into an affected consumer found evidence of visible redness and inflammation of the eyes. The consumer subsequently sought medical attention, where painful and red eyes were recorded alongside headaches and nausea.

If you have experienced eye inflammation or other symptoms after using an affected product, you should seek appropriate medical advice.

Is this issue limited to the UK?

The recall applies to products supplied in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Our research also identified reporting of the recall through government information, retailers and media coverage.

How we're investigating potential claims

We are investigating the circumstances surrounding the Simple Micellar Cleansing Water recall and potential claims from consumers who may have suffered injury after using an affected product.

At this stage, it is important to:

Keep the product and packaging, if you still have it.
Make a note of the batch number.
Keep any receipts or proof of purchase.
Take photographs of any visible symptoms.
Keep medical records and details of any treatment received.
Make a note of when you used the product and when your symptoms began.

The existence of a product recall does not automatically mean that every consumer will have a legal claim. Each case will need to be considered individually.

A message from the team

“We're investigating the circumstances surrounding the Simple Micellar Cleansing Water recall and potential claims from people who may have suffered injury after using an affected product.”

Lisa Lunt

Product Liability Solicitor

What should I do if I think I have been affected?

If you have an affected batch, stop using the product and follow the manufacturer’s recall instructions.

If you have also suffered eye inflammation or other symptoms, seek appropriate medical advice and keep records of your treatment.

You should also retain the product, packaging and any other evidence that may help establish which product you used.

If you have been affected by the recall and suffered an injury, our specialist product liability team can review your circumstances and advise you on your options.

To discuss your situation with our specialist team, get in touch for a free, no-obligation assessment of your experience.